TA Board Chair Carlos Romero (center) walks his bike across the newly opened bridge.
People in East Palo Alto now have a safer, more connected way to walk and bike across Highway 101 and an easier way to connect to nearby streets through the University Avenue interchange.
A new pedestrian and bicycle bridge with interchange infrastructure opened in November following an official ribbon cutting attended by community groups, elected leaders and members of the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA).
The finished project improves access across one of the region’s busiest corridors — reconnecting neighborhoods long divided by the highway.
For decades, people walking or biking had limited and uncomfortable options to make the journey over the freeway. Narrow sidewalks and fast-moving traffic made crossing 101 difficult. The new bridge changes that experience.
The fully separated crossing now provides a wide, shared path for people walking, biking and rolling. It connects to nearby streets, transit stops and existing bike routes. Sidewalks, lighting and traffic signals were also upgraded near the interchange as part of the project.
A balloon arch and symbolic red ribbon frame the entrance to the newly completed project in East Palo Alto during the Nov. 22 celebration.
“Being able to go over this bridge and know that the mothers I see pushing baby strollers are crossing on a completely separate walkway is vitally important,” said TA Chair and East Palo Alto Councilmember Carlos Romero. “This project has stitched the community back together.”
The project improves more than safety. It supports healthier travel choices and reduces reliance on short car trips. It also helps ease traffic flow along adjacent streets.
“We are striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled,” Romero added. “Our communities are better when we can reduce unnecessary trips and when our children can bike to school.”
Funding for the project came from several sources. About 72% of the $10.6 million project was provided by the TA using Measure A and Measure W funds. Additional funding came from federal, state and local partners.
The TA continues to invest in projects like this across San Mateo County. These investments focus on safety, access and mobility. They help ensure transportation works for people of all ages and abilities.